A case for the Air Force plan to optimize air space

This photo taken Aug. 17, 2017 and provided by the U.S. Air Force, shows an F-16 Fighting Falcon ready for take-off in preparation to perform a final joint flying mission at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N.M. Holloman Air Force Base officials say their current array of flight training areas in southern New Mexico is outdated and that some need to be expanded, reshaped and relocated.(Photo: Stacy Jonsgaard/AP)

Given the varying media reports as well as opinion pieces in the last few days, we thought it best to address some of the key facts that have been missed in the discussion. First, the Air Force has a plan to adjust Military Operating Areas (MOAs) in New Mexico. Second, in 2014, the Air Force moved two squadrons of F-16s (over 50 aircraft) to Holloman AFB, and the Air Force has subsequently announced an “interim” beddown of two additional squadrons at Holloman.

Regarding airspace, across the U.S. the services have been using “legacy” MOAs that, in many cases, date to the 1950s when the nation mobilized in the early stages of the Cold War. It is the Air Force intent to adjust the boundaries of these MOAs — in some cases, relinquish airspace that is no longer required; in other situations, increase the size of the MOAs to provide more room for modern aircraft.

In the southwest part of our state, several MOAs have been used for years by aircraft from multiple locations. And, there were required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) scoping meetings and hearings in support of these missions. The current Regional Airspace Optimization Plan includes two options -- one expands a MOA east of Holloman AFB; the second option expands MOAs west of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). As most are aware, WSMR is a key DOD Test and Training Range, with exclusive use airspace for their priority missions. However, the Air Force, with precise scheduling and coordination with WSMR, can use their airspace to some extent.

Turning to the F-16s at Holloman, their mission is to provide initial qualification and instructor upgrade training for fighter pilots. As has been reported nationally for several months, the Air Force is experiencing a serious shortage of fighter pilots -- the most recent two squadrons at Holloman were converted from operational units to training units as a partial means of addressing this acute shortage.

Holloman F-16s will use all the MOAs which are available; and they will strictly follow FAA and Air Force guidelines on the use of flares and chaff, as well as infrequent supersonic flight. The expanded MOAs (and coordinated use of WSMR airspace) will allow the Air Force to minimize any potential disruption or impact across our state.

Regarding notification, the Air Force sent letters to several county commissions in New Mexico (including Grant and Catron); county commissions in Arizona; senior elected officials; and other agencies--BLM,USFS, etc. Also, several notices were placed in southwest NM newspapers.

Air Force representatives will be participating in county commission meetings in Silver City, Reserve, and Socorro as a means of further responding to community concerns.